Buddha's World

Buddhism: philosophy, practice, religious views and beliefs

Introduction to Buddhism

Buddhism is one of the most inspiring world philosophies. On this site you will find information on the Buddhist path, various Buddhist traditions like Zen and Tibetan Buddhism, basic concepts and links to more information.

Theravada Buddhism has the teachings of the Buddha as kept alive by the Sangha (Buddhist monks) and the texts in the Pali Canon as its basis. In the West it is mostly known through it's Vipassana incarnation, as well as the Mindfulness movement (a secular shoot-off).

Buddhism: where is it practiced? - Buddhist practices

In the West we are used to people being of only one religion at a time. This is changing, but it is still easy for people to give a clear answer to the question: 'are you a Christian?'. The answer to the question: 'are you a Buddhist?' is traditionally harder.

In Japan for instance it is quite normal for people to only start practicing Buddhism when they are old, or sick. Before that time the label 'Shinto' seems to fit better. In Japan, and to a lesser extent in other Asian countries, there is no sense that you have to be Buddhist OR Christian.

This means that it is especially hard to make a map of the world religions and where they are practiced. The following map is more of a 'this is where Buddhist practices and beliefs have had a historical impart or are now still alive' map. There is no claim that a majority of the people in these countries pray daily, for instance.
Adherents.com notes that the following countries have the largest Buddhist populations.

The most important Buddhist religious beliefs

The word reincarnation doesn't fit Buddhism very well - as it suggests that there is a soul that reincarnates. But since karma goes on, something is reborn nonetheless... That's why Buddhists often prefer the term 'rebirth'.

This ritual is what defines a Buddhist. To take refuge is often a ritual done more than once in a lifetime and in Theravada Buddhist countries a lot of other rituals start by taking refuge.

Buddha stands for Gautama Buddha.

Dharma means the Buddhist teachings (in this context)

Sangha can stand for the fellowship of all Buddhists - but the word Sangha is also often used to refer to the Buddhist monks (and nons, if there are any).

More on taking refuge in the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha

2) TAKING THE FIVE PRECEPTS

In Buddhist countries there is a practice that distinguishes 'lay Buddhists' from ordinary Buddhists. It is also practiced on Buddhist holidays by serious Buddhists. This practice is the Taking of the Five Precepts.
The five precepts are:

1. Do not take life
2. Do not take what is not given
3. Do not distort facts
4. Refrain from misuse of the senses
5. Refrain from self-intoxication through alcohol or drugs

Most of these are reasonably clear, I think.

The part about not refraining from the misuse of the senses refers to unlawful sexual activities. For married people this just means they should keep it within the marriage. For monks and nuns this means refraining from sexual activity altogether.

This one is a bonus. There is no historical reason to think the Bodhisattva Vow goes back all the way to Gautama Buddha.

Still, in Mahayana Buddhism taking the Bodhisattva Vow is about as normal as taking the five precepts is in Theravada Buddhism. People vow to attain Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings.

OTHER RITUALS

There are also rituals associated with monks and nuns. Buddhist ritual for lay people and monastics will vary a per country and tradition.

The Spiritual Retreat - a modern version of an ancient practice

Buddhism is in a process of transformation world wide. It used to be all about monks (and a few nuns). The monks were supported by lay Buddhists and the ideal life was that of the monk. In the 20th century many of the practices of monks have become part time practices for lay people as well.

Meditation is done in the home these days - but it's also taught in spiritual retreat centers.

Ashram is technically a Hindu word. The way they are run though is not unique to Hinduism. For instance Plum Village, the spiritual retreat centre of Zen teacher Thich Nhat Hanh has features that fit the label. Except it's Buddhist. Since ashrams can also be places for general spiritual practice, it's a fading line.